SANTA RITA, Guam =– Naval Special Warfare Unit 1 held a change of command ceremony at their compound on U.S. Naval Base Guam Aug. 7.

Capt. Jeffrey Tyer relieved Capt. Stephen Grzeszczak III as commanding officer of NSWU 1 during the time-honored tradition. Grzeszczak held the position since July 2008.

Vice Adm. John M. Bird, Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, attended the morning event as guest speaker. Speaking before dozens of the command’s sailors, friends and family members, and Navy officials, Bird praised Grzeszczak’s leadership not only with the SEALs, but also as the commander of Task Force 71.

“Rarely is anyone in our Navy, let alone a captain, entrusted with such a broad scope of authority, such a large area of responsibility and with such an important set of missions,” Bird said. “Without question, Steve Grzeszczak has done it masterfully.”

In recognition of Grzeszczak’s meritorious conduct and performance, Bird presented the Legion of Merit award to him. The citation stated Grzeszczak executed more than 200 operations and exercises for Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Commander Seventh Fleet and Command Special Operations Command Pacific, and also helped conduct more than 100 real-word missions in support of JSOTF-P.

Grzeszczak also accepted souvenir gifts from NSWU 1’s organizations. He now heads to Hawaii, where he will serve as chief of staff to Special Operations Command Pacific.

Grzeszczak spoke to the audience about the friends he and his family made on Guam and the lessons he learned working for the first time in the Pacific. He thanked those who supported his tour and emphasized the contributions made by the Sailors under his command.

“The people at Naval Special Warfare Unit 1 are important, important to me, and important for the nation,” Grzeszczak said. “They’re important to our security and important to our way of life. They are out there supporting the nation daily here throughout the Pacific, working long hours, often not thanked for doing it.”

After reading his orders, Tyer said he intends to lead NSWU 1 in a manner that continues their “stellar reputation.”

“I’m excited to be taking command here,” Tyer said. “You’re all extraordinary individuals. Thank you for your contributions in the fight against our enemies.”

Tyer received his commission in 1987 and became a Naval Special Warfare officer in 1988. He participated in Operation Joint Guardian in Kosovo, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom in the Philippines. Recently, Tyer served as commanding officer of Special Boat Team 20 from 2004-2006 and arrived on Guam from Naval Special Warfare Command in San Diego.

NSWU 1 plans, prepares and conducts special operations in support of the global war on terrorism and other U.S. objectives within the U.S. Pacific Command area of responsibility.